September is the new January: Why more people move in Autumn
- 01st Sept 26
No matter how long ago you left school, there’s no escaping that back-to-school feeling come September. The allure of a new pencil case, fresh stationery and a brand-new timetable might be behind you, but that sense of a fresh start remains. September has long been associated with change. Students head off to university, graduates begin their first jobs, families relocate as the new school year begins and professionals take on new roles or move to a new city. For others, the end of summer simply provides the motivation to finally make a move they’ve been considering for months. If September is bringing a change of address for you, the last few weeks of summer are the perfect time to get organised and think about what you really want from your next home.
Moving for a new job? Think beyond the commute
Starting a new job often means a new routine, and sometimes a new location too. Whether you’re relocating to a different city or simply looking to cut down on your daily journey, good transport connections can make all the difference. Being close to a tube, train or major transport route isn’t just about getting to the office on time. It can mean easier evenings out, simpler weekend plans, visiting friends and family without relying on a car, and having more freedom to explore everything your new neighbourhood has to offer.
This is one area where Build to Rent developments often have a natural advantage. Many are purposefully located in well-connected urban and regeneration areas, close to major transport hubs and with easy access to city centres. It can matter more than you realise because when your home is well connected, your world feels bigger.
What’s available
A great example is Elements in Enfield, a new development where connectivity is quite literally on the doorstep. Located just 240ft from Ponders End station, residents have easy access to rail services, while a bus stop directly outside the development and Southbury tube station less than a mile away provide even more options for getting around.
With London Liverpool Street less than 18 minutes away by direct train, it's an appealing option for anyone relocating for work who wants to make their commute simpler without sacrificing everything else that comes with living outside central London.
Moving with a family? Make the transition easier
For families, the start of the school year can feel like a lot to juggle. There’s the uniform to buy, labels to sew in, school bags to organise and a whole new routine to get used to. And alongside the practicalities, there can be bigger worries too, will they settle in? Will they make friends? Will they find their way around? Perhaps a new school has prompted a relocation or the summer has simply highlighted the need for more space. Whatever the reason, when so much is changing at once, the last thing you need is for moving home to make life even more complicated. The key is to make the transition as smooth as possible and take away as many of the everyday stresses as you can. This is one of the reasons Build to Rent has become such a popular choice for families. From professionally managed homes and convenient locations to on-site amenities and communal spaces, developments are designed around making modern life easier. It could mean having somewhere for the children to play, outdoor space to enjoy, a gym on the doorstep, or communal areas where the whole family can relax. Add in responsive on-site management and the convenience of having maintenance issues dealt with for you, and there are fewer things to worry about.
What’s available
Norwood Quarter in Northampton demonstrates how the right Build to Rent location can help take some of the stress out of a family move. With a nursery, primary school and secondary school all within a mile, families can start the new school year knowing that the daily school run is one less thing to worry about. There are also green spaces and a play park on the doorstep, while everyday essentials including a pharmacy, doctors, dentist, bakery and supermarket are all close by.
Starting your first job? Find your people as well as your home
For graduates and young professionals, September can be the start of an entirely new chapter. A first job, a new city and a new home can be exciting, but there’s one challenge that doesn’t always feature on the moving checklist: making friends. Moving somewhere where you don't know anyone can take some getting used to. Your colleagues might become your first point of contact, but building a life outside of work takes time. Suddenly, finding somewhere to grab a coffee, someone to go to the gym with or a group to join at the weekend becomes just as important as finding your local supermarket.
Many Build to Rent developments are designed with community at their heart, with shared spaces and regular resident events creating natural opportunities to meet the people who live around you. A residents’ lounge can become somewhere to chat over a coffee, a co-working space can introduce you to neighbours during the working day, while gyms, roof terraces and communal gardens provide opportunities to bump into people naturally. Add a programme of events, from fitness classes and social gatherings to screenings, workshops and seasonal celebrations, and suddenly moving somewhere new doesn't have to mean starting from scratch socially.
What's available?
Hairpin House in Digbeth, Birmingham, puts community firmly at the centre of its offering. Residents have access to cosy communal lounges, co-working spaces, three rooftop terraces and a 24-hour concierge, alongside a programme of resident events including puppy yoga and rooftop parties. There are also exclusive local and nationwide discounts, giving residents even more opportunities to get out and experience their new neighbourhood.
Just 10 minutes from the Bullring, Hairpin House is also well placed for young professionals looking to enjoy everything Birmingham has to offer outside of work.
Time to get back into a routine
After a summer of cocktails by the pool, ice creams to cool down and perhaps a few too many lazy mornings, September can feel like the right time to get back into a routine. And while the back-to-school feeling might mean organising your diary and getting back on top of work, it can also be the perfect opportunity to reset your approach to health and wellbeing.
Getting regular exercise isn't just about getting fit. Making time to move, whether that's a gym session, a yoga class, a run or simply getting outside for a walk, can also be an important part of looking after your mental wellbeing. The challenge, of course, is finding the time and motivation to make it happen when everyday life gets busy again.
This is another area where Build to Rent can make healthy habits easier to maintain. When a well-equipped gym, yoga studio or outdoor space is part of your development, exercise doesn't require another journey across town or an expensive gym membership. It's simply there when you need it, making it much easier to turn good intentions into part of your everyday routine.
What's available?
Cortland at Colliers Yard in Salford takes the idea of wellness at home seriously, with a state-of-the-art fitness suite, dedicated spin studio and yoga studio, alongside outdoor terraces and an adjacent landscaped park. Residents also have access to a host of communal spaces, including co-working areas, lounges and entertainment facilities, making it possible to build wellbeing, socialising and relaxation into everyday life. There’s even cycle parking available and a games room with a golf simulator, meaning whether you prefer a high-intensity workout, a yoga session, a cycle ride or something a little more leisurely, there’s an exercise option for everyone.